Tahini

Tahini or ground sesame is a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking.  It is a must have if you want to make dips like 'hummus' and 'baba ganoush'.  While most people just grab a jar from the shop, it is easy enough to make your own and I think it tastes much better.  You will need hulled sesame seeds, a blender (preferably high powered one like a Vitamix) and some olive oil to help process them into a smooth creamy paste.  Keep your homemade  tahini in a lidded jar in the fridge and it will stay fresh for a few weeks.  Tahini is a flavour enhancer that makes everything taste delicious.  See below for a recipe for basic tahini sauce and one for tahini dressing.

Makes 1 cup

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups hulled sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

METHOD

1. Place sesame seeds in a medium frying pan over low heat to toast gently for a few minutes until golden brown.  (They burn easily so don't walk away.)  Stir the seeds with a spoon or shake the pan from time to time for even colouring.  Leave to cool for 10 minutes.
2. Tip the toasted sesame seeds into the bowl of a high-powered blender and grind for about 30-40 seconds.  (If you use an ordinary blender, process for 2-3 minutes.)  You will have a crumbly paste at this stage.
3. Add olive oil and blend for another 30-40 seconds to a smooth, pourable paste.  (If you use an ordinary blender, add one tablespoon of oil at  a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.)   If the tannin is too thick, add  a little more oil until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Spoon the tahini into a clean lidded jar and store in the fridge up to 4 weeks.  Mix well before use each time as oil might have settled on the top during storage.

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Basic Tahini Sauce

Tahini sauce is easy to make and very versatile.  Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, rice bowls, falafel, kebabs or any Middle Eastern delights.  Use it as a dip for raw vegetables, crackers or pita bread.  Simply combine the following ingredients:

• ½ cup tahini
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

* Adjust the consistency by experimenting with the amount of water used.  The sauce should be loose enough to be drizzled over food but not too runny.  Add yoghurt to make it extra creamy if you like. 

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Tahini Dressing

If you've made a basic tahini sauce, the delicious tahini salad dressing is not far away.  Make the dressing exactly to your taste by adjusting the amount of each ingredient.   Combine the followings:

• ¼ cup tahini
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper

*If the dressing is too thick, add more water, a little at a time.